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How to Choose Snowboard Gloves

Overview

Guide

Materials

Snowboard gloves are generally made from fabric with leather or synthetic leather palms and reinforcements. Leather may require longer break-in and occasional treatment, but it's very durable and greater dexterity. Gloves with synthetic leather palms are usually less expensive, and are designed to withstand edge grabs.

Guide

Insulation

Insulation in a snowboard glove offers much-needed warmth that'll keep you from hitting the lodge early. These gloves feature synthetic insulation (which, unlike down, keeps you warm even when it's wet); if your hands run cold, look for higher-weight padding. Some gloves have more insulation on the back than the palm, balancing warmth with dexterity.

Guide

Waterproofing

During the winter, wetness is just as dangerous as the cold. Look for a glove with a waterproof breathable shell or internal membrane like Gore-Tex, eVent, Outdry, or a brand's proprietary technology, and compare waterproof ratings. At the very least, you'll need a glove with a waterproof coating.

Guide

Cuffs

The cuffs for snowboard gloves fall into two categories: gauntlet or undercuff. A gauntlet-style glove slips over the sleeve of your jacket and cinches to keep the elements out. This design can feel bulky to some, so if you want a sleeker fit look for an undercuff glove with a slim profile that slips under your jacket cuff.

Guide

Materials

Snowboard gloves are generally made from fabric with leather or synthetic leather palms and reinforcements. Leather may require longer break-in and occasional treatment, but it's very durable and greater dexterity. Gloves with synthetic leather palms are usually less expensive, and are designed to withstand edge grabs.

Insulation

Insulation in a snowboard glove offers much-needed warmth that'll keep you from hitting the lodge early. These gloves feature synthetic insulation (which, unlike down, keeps you warm even when it's wet); if your hands run cold, look for higher-weight padding. Some gloves have more insulation on the back than the palm, balancing warmth with dexterity.

Waterproofing

During the winter, wetness is just as dangerous as the cold. Look for a glove with a waterproof breathable shell or internal membrane like Gore-Tex, eVent, Outdry, or a brand's proprietary technology, and compare waterproof ratings. At the very least, you'll need a glove with a waterproof coating.

Cuffs

The cuffs for snowboard gloves fall into two categories: gauntlet or undercuff. A gauntlet-style glove slips over the sleeve of your jacket and cinches to keep the elements out. This design can feel bulky to some, so if you want a sleeker fit look for an undercuff glove with a slim profile that slips under your jacket cuff.